Torah Portion

New Testament: Matthew 23:1-12

New Testament: John 7:37-39

Overview: “Ekev” focuses on the blessings of obedience, recounts God’s provision in the wilderness, and warns against pride and forgetting Him in times of prosperity.
Commentary: This portion emphasizes dependence on God for sustenance and guidance. Yeshua’s teaching to trust God for daily needs echoes these themes, reminding believers of the importance of seeking God’s kingdom above all else.

Overview: “Va’etchanan” includes Moses’ plea to enter the Promised Land, the Ten Commandments, and the Shema, the declaration of God’s oneness and Israel’s call to love Him with all their heart, soul, and strength.
Commentary: The Shema underscores the centrality of loving and serving God in all aspects of life. Yeshua highlights the Shema as the greatest commandment, calling His followers to embody this love through their actions and relationships.

Overview: “Devarim” begins the book of Deuteronomy, with Moses recounting the journey of Israel and reviewing key events, including the sending of the spies and the conquest of territories east of the Jordan.
Commentary: Moses’ recounting reminds the people of God’s faithfulness and their responsibility to trust Him. Yeshua’s responses to Satan during His wilderness temptation draw heavily from this portion, demonstrating reliance on God’s Word in the face of trials.

Overview: “Masei” recounts the journeys of the Israelites from Egypt to the borders of the Promised Land. It also details the boundaries of the land, the cities of refuge, and laws about inheritance for daughters.
Commentary: The journey of Israel mirrors the spiritual journey of every believer, moving from bondage to freedom in God’s promises. The cities of refuge symbolize Yeshua, who offers protection and redemption to all who seek Him.

Overview: “Matot” covers laws concerning vows and oaths, the Israelites’ war against Midian, and the settlement of the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and half of Manasseh on the east side of the Jordan.
Commentary: The laws about vows underscore the importance of integrity in speech and commitments. Yeshua echoes this principle, teaching that our “yes” should mean “yes” and our “no” should mean “no.” The conquest of Midian reminds us of God’s justice and the necessity of holiness among His people.

Overview: “Pinchas” begins with the reward given to Phinehas for his zeal in stopping Israel’s sin at Baal Peor. It also includes a census, inheritance laws, and instructions for the daily and festival offerings.
Commentary: Phinehas’ actions highlight the need for zeal in defending God’s holiness. For Messianic believers, Yeshua exemplifies perfect zeal, offering Himself as a sacrifice to restore humanity to God and calling us to live in faithful service.

Overview: “Balak” recounts the story of Balak, king of Moab, hiring the prophet Balaam to curse Israel. However, God intervenes, and Balaam blesses Israel instead. The portion also includes the incident of Israel falling into idolatry with Moabite women at Baal Peor.
Commentary: Balaam’s blessings reveal God’s sovereignty and His protective hand over His people. Yeshua, as the promised King from Jacob’s lineage, fulfills the prophetic hope declared in Balaam’s words. The story of Baal Peor warns against compromising faithfulness to God.

Overview: “Chukat” begins with the laws of the red heifer for purification and recounts the deaths of Miriam and Aaron. It also includes Moses striking the rock to bring forth water, which leads to his punishment. The portion ends with Israel’s victories over surrounding nations.
Commentary: The red heifer symbolizes cleansing from impurity, pointing to Yeshua’s ultimate sacrifice for sin. Moses’ disobedience reminds us of the importance of trusting God’s instructions fully. Yeshua is the source of living water, offering eternal life to all who believe.